Job Title:

Certified Nurse Practitioner for Priests’ Health

Department:

Vicar for Priests Office

Location:

Archbishop Quigley Center
835 N. Rush St.
Chicago, IL 60611-2030

Hours:

Full time

Description:

Be part of our mission. The Archdiocese of Chicago (“the Archdiocese”), the third largest Catholic Archdiocese in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 344 parishes in Cook and Lake Counties. The Archdiocese's 217 elementary and secondary schools comprise the largest U.S. private school system, and have garnered more U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards than any system of any type. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 15,000 employees.

Proposed Job:

The Office of Vicar for Priests requests that the Archdiocese hire a full-time health care professional, with experience and expertise in working independent with a population of men, to aid, promote, educate, and attend to the overall well-being and health of archdiocesan priests, especially those in full-time active ministry, in Lake and Cook Counties.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate in this position will encourage, educate, accompany and manage healthcare outreach and resources for the active priests of the Archdiocese. He/she will focus on personal visits and tailored suggestions to ensure and promote a holistic understanding of well being for each priest. He/she will work under the guidance of the Office of Vicar for Priests and report directly to the Office of Vicar for Priests; however, he/she will consistently exercise independent discretion and judgment in the performance of his/her duties. He/she will also collaborate with the Priests’ Retirement and Mutual Aid Association (PRMAA) and other entities associated with priests’ health and well-being.

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to:

Being available to visit each rectory and/or priest.

Provide information and education on health benefits available to priests through the Archdiocesan Healthcare plan.

Review the nutritional practices, living situation, and promote annual physicals.

Offer opportunity to take blood pressure, blood sugar level, pulse, body temperature, and other similar basic nursing assessments that can be performed by a certified nurse practitioner without the direction or supervision of a licensed physician in accordance with his/her licensure/certification(s).

Conduct a general health interview with the priest.

When requested, visit priests in hospital or healthcare institution.

Organize and maintain a confidential wellness file for each priest in accordance with applicable privacy laws (e.g., HIPPA, GINA and ADA).

Facilitate and assist PRMAA with the process of transition when a priest retires from active ministry.

Organize, obtain and provide information on current assignment, emergency contacts, primary physicians, and specialists of each priest.

Encourage and assist priests to obtain a healthcare power of attorney and medical directives consistent with Catholic moral teaching.

Respond to phone calls or emails requesting resources, information or assistance with specific health care issues during business hours.

Provide paper or online health educational materials.

Develop contacts with local hospitals, physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Meet quarterly with the Vicars for Priests to review activity, provide general health of the priests, and, if necessary, make recommendations for follow up.

Attend Priest Convocations as appropriate.

Collaborate with vicariate and deanery leaders to coordinate opportunities to provide necessary health information for area priests.

Develop structural and service systems to provide supportive assistance in navigation to promote independence at the various levels of health needs.

Assist priests in navigating the health care system and provide clarification and instruction when needed.

Requirements:

Experience / Skills Required:

Knowledge of healing ministry in the church. Values, beliefs, and spirituality consistent with those of the Catholic Church. Healthy integration of medical knowledge and Catholic attitude of healthcare.

Experience, expertise and comfort in working with men aged 26 and above, and knowledge of the healthcare needs of this population.

Customarily and regularly exercises independent judgment and discretion in the performance of his/her daily responsibilities and functions with only general supervision

Organizational skills to operate and maintain an orderly filing system in compliance with applicable privacy laws (e.g., HIPPA, GINA and ADA).

Able to promote the philosophy of wellness through physical and mental health programs.

Computer Skills: Microsoft Office

Focus on community wellness; opportunities for exercise, nutritional food choices, and safety. Educate as necessary on these topics.

Personal Attributes:

Reliable transportation.

Comfortable driving into the various neighborhoods of the city of Chicago and the suburban areas of Cook and Lake counties.

Ability to communicate in a clear and friendly manner and professionally performs nursing assessments.

Work collaboratively with Vicars for Priests, PRMAA, other entities associated with priests’ health and well being, and network with other healthcare professionals.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in nursing from an approved nursing program with minimum ten years of experience in either inpatient or outpatient care.

Possess current valid license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to practice nursing in Illinois as an advanced practice nurse in the role of certified nurse practitioner and other certifications, if any, required for such role.